RATES

EXPIRES

DESCRIPTION

Cruise Baja California in the spring, a prime season for this stunning landscape. The Whales & Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez cruise brings a Lindblad/National Geographic crew with more than 25 years of experience in the region. You'll experience the best that Baja has to offer and take advantage of the consistently calm waters — ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In April, air temperatures are warm but not too hot and the occasional spring rains bring forth colorful cactus blossoms.

Watch whales and dolphins from the deck of the intimate 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion twin expedition ships, and at water level from nimble zodiacs. Best bets are fin, sperm and Bryde’s, but other possibilities include the great blue whale. Hike miles of uninhabited beaches and desert. Observe myriad seabirds. Kayak in pristine waters, snorkel among reef fish and enjoy the serenity of a sunset beach barbecue. This unique Baja small ship cruise is designed with no set itinerary, adding a stimulating sense of adventure to each day.

Days 2-7: Exploring The Sea Of Cortez

This cruise's routing is designed with flexibility in mind, to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will include the islands listed below, although the order may vary:

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir: Walk up a desert wash to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a fat, harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. Blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here.

Isla Rasa: See thousands of nesting Heermann's gulls and terns on this incredibly distinct island.

Isla Santa Catalina: Search for marine life and hike among the giant barrel cactus on one of most dramatic islands in the Sea of Cortez.

Isla San Marcos: Explore via kayak, walks and snorkel.

Isla San Jose: Take Zodiac cruises and kayaks into mangrove channels in search of shorebirds and waders. Nearby are ancient shell mounds, or middens, that reveal traces of former occupation by the Guaicura Indians.

Los Islotes/Espiritu Santo: Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, perhaps with some curious sea lions. Zodiac rides, rare bird sightings, the possibility of spotting an endemic black rabbit, or simply some relaxing beachcombing are all possibilities today.

ACCOMMODATIONS: National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion